[Publib] patron hold limits

[Block, Ronald]

Do you limit the number of holds that a patron may have at any one time?
If so, what is the limit?

                Yes, we limit our patrons to 20 holds at one time


 

Have you changed your limits recently?  Why?  What was the patron
reaction?

                This has been our policy for several years. It seems to
be a good number

 

How long do you keep items on your hold shelf for a patron?

                7 days

 

Have you had any significant problems with items on the hold shelf not
being claimed?  Have you implemented any restrictions as a result?

This has been a significant problem in many of our branches. We recently
completed a study of five locations and found some interesting data. The
items that were not being picked up were items that were older. The new
material was our suspicion, but that was not the case. We did not find a
"smoking gun" to solve the problem,  but have recommended communication
with repeat customers that seem to not pick up, signage to remind
canceling of unwanted holds, and now show customers their place in line
when viewing their online accounts. 

We are also instituting a reminder email three days after initial email,
as well as tightening up our language on hold pickup notices. 

 

 

Have you made any other changes that have helped public service staff
keep up with the holds process?

Staff frustration has played a big role in this, and we have just
changed our holds processing procedures to reduce staff workload (spine
down on hold shelf, hold slip inserted in item showing customer last
name, etc). It has been overwhelmingly positive and staff have reported
huge gains in processing time and even feel (unsubstantiated as of now)
that there are less items left not claimed by customers. 

 

 

Hope that helps!

 

 

 

 

Ron Block 
Circulation Services Supervisor 
Jacksonville Public Library 
303 N. Laura St. 
Jacksonville, FL 32202 
904.630.2962 
904.630.1435(fax) 

"Please note that under Florida's very broad public records law, e-mail
communications to and from city officials are subject to public
disclosure."

 

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